Top Ten Reasons to Enact Single-Payer Healthcare in the U.S.

Alpha101
Our current health care system is far from perfect. Millions have no insurance, and the ones that are lucky enough to be covered must pay high premiums and deductibles. Even after paying, insurance companies try every way they can to pay the least amount possible, even if it means hurting their client. So, here are ten reasons to enact universal healthcare in the U.S.

The Top Ten

1It would ensure that healthcare is a right

When the founding fathers said that everyone has a right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," we only focused on the latter two. No one should be threatened with death just because they cannot pay for their treatment. No one should have to pay money to stay alive. This is why we have public police forces and fire departments. Sadly, in the country, thousands die each year because they cannot afford treatment. - Alpha101

2It would save employers money

Employers spend billions every year paying for their employees' health insurance. If it was no longer necessary for them to pay for their coverage, they could use those extra funds to either raise their employees' wages, or to cut prices, both of which would benefit the economy. - Alpha101

3It would make the country healthier

Right now, many people ignore warning signs of an illness or disease because they do not want to pay for a checkup. Because of this, their illness can grow, which can harm the public. It also raises our health costs because the person with the disease must undergo treatment, even if they cannot pay, which rises prices for everyone else. Under a system of universal health care, people will no longer ignore these crucial warning signs, and will seek health before their illness becomes catastrophic. - Alpha101

4It would save consumers money

The average American spends thousands annually on healthcare. If healthcare was made to be free, or at least significantly cheaper, they could use their savings to invest, or spend that money, effectively creating demand, which would lead to job growth. - Alpha101

I agree with this. But in an economic environment of rewarding corporate gain, I fear it has little chance of being realized in our Country. I've worked in the medical manufacturing field for quite some time, and the profits at every level are huge, I would say at the application level in particular. - Ned964

5It would lower the price of prescription drugs

Right now, pharmaceutical companies drastically over-price potentially life-saving drugs. Very little of their profits actually go to research like they claim. The majority of the profit goes to corporate executives and their shareholders. Right now, the VA is allowed to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies, and VA patients are, on average, charged half of what the average consumer pays for pharmaceutical drugs who is under a private plan. If the government was allowed to negotiate with these companies, these drugs would be much cheaper. - Alpha101

6There is no free market in health care

Many conservatives support lifting regulations in the healthcare industry, stating that the free market will lower costs naturally. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There is no "shopping around" in healthcare like there would be for a pair of tennis shoes. Study after study shows that patients in need of urgent care most always go to the nearest hospital, no matter how expensive it may be. Yeah, surprisingly, people who are dying aren't going to take the time to Google different prices of health care providers in their area. Since there isn't a free market in healthcare, healthcare must be recognized as a right. The whole idea of capitalism is that there is competition. If there is little competition in a particular industry, then what is the point in having markets in the first place? - Alpha101

7It would be simple

There would be a lot less red tape when going to the hospital. No yelling at your insurance provider on the phone about how they said they would pay this percentage of your treatment, but they only payed this percentage. Under a Single-Payer system, this would no longer happen. You're covered no matter what. - Alpha101

8Almost every civilized country guarantees healthcare for all

Almost every other first world country guarantees healthcare for all, although their systems may differ. The U.S. even signed a UN document in 1948 stating that medical care is a right, although it isn't in our country. - Alpha101

9It would help the economy

If less people are sick, then there are less people missing work or school. Workers will become more productive, and students will improve in school. Both of which would help the economy. - Alpha101

10It would reduce bankruptcies

Again my friend, a very concise, well researched and important list... I do hope you are exploring all your educational and employment options now while you are young. Do that extra footwork now, while you've got every opportunity to realize all you want to become. I believe you are a difference maker, a rarity indeed. Just remember all us little folks on your ascension, will you? JK. Have a good one - Ned964

Thousands go bankrupt every year because of medical costs. This can break up families, cause unemployment, etc. - Alpha101